TWO Potterne teenagers have their sights set on competing in next year's Special Olympics World Games after being invited to train with the England squad.
Brothers Liam and Wesley Henry, who live in Potterne Wick, received their call-up after impressing at the Mencap National Athletics Open Championships in Manchester, at the end of last month.
Liam, `19, took gold in both the long jump and shot put and silver in the 200m while 15 year-old Wesley won gold in the 800m and silver in the long jump.
The pair, who have learning difficulties and train twice a week with the Lavington Track and Field Trust, will meet up for their first session with the England squad in Sheffield, this September.
“They both did really really well and we're absolutely over the moon for them,” said coach Deborah Bray.
“They've trained with us for two years and I always knew that they would do well but I never expected anything like this to happen so soon.
“They've done well in national competitions before and we don't treat them any differently to mainstream athletes.
“When the selector from England came over to me in Manchester, I thought that something must be wrong but it was just great when he said that they were keen to have a look at the lads.
“They'll have to go to four squad sessions a year and if they impress, then they could get selected for things like the World Championships.
“After that, maybe they could even get a place in the Great Britain squad for the Special Olympics.”
The Lavington Track and Field Trust train at Lavington and Dauntsey's Schools and have recently been awarded Associate Membership of Special Olympics GB.
The next Special Olympics World Games take place in Athens, and begin in June 2011.
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